Connecticut traffic can be heavy and hectic, and it is not uncommon for devastating crashes to occur between large trucks and smaller vehicles.
There are many reasons a truck could crash, and it is best to exercise caution when driving near big rigs.
Factors in truck-car crashes
Truck crashes happen for a variety of reasons. The driver may become distracted. Perhaps he or she did not receive sufficient driver training. Certain truck components might be defective. An accident could also occur due to overloaded cargo, which will impact performance and cause the driver to struggle with controlling the large vehicle.
Hours of service
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration monitors truck accidents and is constantly looking for ways to improve safety. In 2013, the FMCSA reduced the number of hours a driver could be on the job. Basically, an interstate trucker cannot drive more than 11 hours without a break, but some work longer hours and risk succumbing to fatigue, which is among the most common causes of crashes.
Safety tips
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a study entitled ”Leveraging Large Truck Technology and Engineering to Realize Safety Gains” that provided safety tips for motorists driving near large trucks:
– Stay out of the truck’s blind spots.
– Follow large trucks at a safe distance.
– Allow plenty of room for a truck signaling to change lanes.
– Leave ample room if stopped behind a truck on an incline in case the truck should roll back.
Compensation for victims
Occupants of passenger vehicles are vulnerable to serious injuries resulting from a truck-car crash. Victims have the right to expect full and fair financial compensation to cover both current and future medical expenses, lost wages and more.